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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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June 28, 2012

Fourth of July Décor on a Budget

4 crafts for 4 dollars 4 the 4th of July

Oh, Target.
I am drawn to you like a moth to a flame and yet I so often find myself “zapped” when I get to the check-out line and see how much I managed to spend.
So, when I saw that you had some 4th of July themed packages of tissue paper in your $1 bins I rejoiced and may or may not have done a little jig right then and there.
My kids love it when I do that in public!
Of course, as usual, I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with this awesome deal.
Enter Pinterest.
God bless it…oh, and the U.S.A. too of course! Smile
The first thing I found was this idea from the Under the Sycamore for Tissue Paper Firecrackers.
Tissue Paper Firecrackers
This would be a very easy project for kids to do.
Or a 36 year old woman who has the crafting skills of a kid.
All you need is the tissue paper of your choice, wooden dowels and tape.
DSC_0836-001
Now, stay with me. This is going to get a little tricky!
Cut the tissue paper into strips.
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Gather the ends together and tape them to the dowel.
Whew! I hope you all can handle the complexities of this craft.
And, if you are really feeling fancy, just go on ahead and cover up the tape by 
wrapping an extra piece of tissue around it. 
DSC_0841-001
And there you have it!
 My kiddos loved these and my daughter said they actually sound like firecrackers when you wave them around really fast. These are perfect for her because she is still a bit scared of the “real deal”. 
Which means she will be waving these around in the house to her heart’s content while her daddy and brother tap into their inner “pyro” outside.
Tissue Paper Firecrackers
Now, there was still quite a bit of tissue paper left. 
And, what would a craft post be without a wreath, right?
 I spotted one similar to this on the Family Fun Site but realized I would have to make some modifications in order to use the tissue paper.

4th of July Paper Wreath

Here is all you will need for this project.
I used tissue paper but card stock would have totally worked better also suffice.
DSC_0929-001
Since I didn’t use card stock I had to reinforce the tissue paper using good old printer paper.
I just felt so very “crafty” coming up with my own solution!
I might have also been kicking myself for not making it to the craft store to buy card stock.
DSC_0930-001
I cut out a circle from a cereal box and as each piece of paper was rolled into a “cone” shape, I attached them to the center of the circle, slightly overlapping as I went.
DSC_0931-001
The original wreath showed a silver star in the middle made out of aluminum foil.
I attempted one but it ended up looking like something my daughter brought home 
from Sunday School last Christmas.
So, I went with a red star instead and feel like it looks just slightly more patriotic!
4th of July Paper Wreath
Of course, there was STILL more tissue paper left and I was determined to make the most of it so I decided to make a Tissue Paper Ball.
Tissue Paper Ball Topiary
Only problem was that I didn’t have one of those round foam balls on hand.
So, I did what any self-respecting non-crafter would do.
I went out to the garage and dug around in the bin of old toys and sports stuff until I found the saddest looking small soccer ball I could find and decided it was ready to start a new life as a topiary!
If soccer balls could feel shame, this one would be hanging it’s head.
From gliding over the green blades of grass to being dolled up with tissue paper.
Oh, the humanity!
DSC_0971-001
But the fall from grace was short because pretty soon this soccer ball was perking up as it had those little scraps of wadded up tissue paper hot glued on one by one.
DSC_0974-001
And now it stands proudly as a Tissue Paper Ball Topiary!
Tissue Paper Ball Topiary
I finally decided to give the tissue paper a rest and my final craft only involved a package of small flags ($2) and inexpensive glass hurricanes which I already had on hand.
I found this project at Sweet Something Designs and it couldn’t possibly be easier.
I removed the flag from the stick and using mod podge, attached it to the hurricane.
The only tricky part is, as much as possible, trying to avoid getting the mod podge on the glass.
I found, though, that once it had dried it was easy to clean off the glass using a scrubby sponge.

Mod Podge Flag Hurricane

So, there you have it!
$2 for two packs of tissue paper
$2 for a package of flags
Everything else from around my home

4 crafts for 4 dollars 4 the 4th of July

I am getting so excited for the 4th of July!
How about you? How are you preparing to celebrate Independence Day?
I’m so glad you took the time to stop by and visit us at the Fence today!

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

This post is sponsored by:
where you can find this darling Vintage Fabric Beach Pillow
Vintage Fabric Beach Pillow Cover

Partying here:
Uncommon Designs: Uncommonly Yours Link Party
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Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Redoux: Friday’s Redone
2805: Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday

43 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Fourth of July, Good Ideas, Holidays

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Previous Post: « Firecracker 4th of July Jello Shots!
Next Post: Inspiration Friday No. 71~ 4th of July Edition! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristin says

    June 27, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    You did a wonderful decorating job on a budget!

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 27, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Y’all are so smart. Love that ball topiary. Clever clever.

    Reply
  3. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    June 27, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    Great craft ideas, Vanessa! I’ll bet the kids love all these!

    Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    June 27, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Great stuff. I love the paper in the tinn flower bucket. Just great.

    Reply
  5. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 27, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    How fun and cute is this. Love the pinwheel. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  6. Maury Kilgo says

    June 27, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    so cute! I love all the fun crafts. My niece would LOVE the firecrackers.

    Reply
  7. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    June 27, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    Vanessa these ideas are super creative and super cute! I love them all!!

    Reply
  8. Kelly says

    June 27, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    Those are some of the cutest ideas! They would really be great if you’re having a 4th of July party out on your back porch. Cute table centerpieces could be made and wall or door decorations. Love those! Thanks for sharing. I can’t believe that July 4th is almost here!

    Reply
  9. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 27, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Oh my gosh aren’t you the craft queen? Love them all!

    Reply
  10. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    June 27, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    Hey ladies – those tissue paper firecrackers are the cutest. Perfect for a small town parade! Each year we go to the tiny town of Christmas Valley in Oregon for their “big-city-like” fireworks show. Have you ever been Vanessa?

    Reply
  11. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    June 27, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    Not sure what I love the most … the super creative crafts … the fact that you gave that sad soccer ball a new purpose in life and reason to hold his little head high … the fact that you escaped Target with only shelling out $4 and change …

    Oh, I know what I love the most. The post. As in the writing. Such a great voice and such a joy to read each and every word …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  12. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    June 27, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    These are fabulous!!!! hmmm…maybe I should start some crafting 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  13. Tammy Partin Spangler says

    June 27, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    Such fun and inexpensive ideas! Thanks for sharing! ~Tammy

    Reply
  14. Gina says

    June 27, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    Thanks for sharing these fun ideas! I saw that anchor tissue paper at Target & couldn’t think of anything to do with it. Looks like I need another trip to Target now! lol

    Reply
  15. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    June 27, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    What wonderful creative projects!…Love the price too!….Now, that soccer ball topiary it the greatest!…It truly makes me smile!!
    Happy 4th!!

    Reply
  16. Ginny says

    June 27, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Thanks a lot! I was NOT going to craft today but do some much needed chores that needed to be done…then you come along with those darling decorations that I MUST NEED to do today! Lol…love them!

    Reply
  17. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 27, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    oh, my gosh, i have about 10 “dead” soccer balls in my yard/garage… I see a topiary in my future!!
    Loved meeting and hanging with you girls at Haven — xo Heidi

    Reply
  18. Budget Design Girl says

    June 27, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    Hey, that’s a whole lotta bang for your buck! (Firework pun intended! Yes. I am a huge goober!)

    I love all of the craft ideas! You ladies are so clever!

    It was so great to meet you both at Haven! You are both sweet, fun, and funny!! 🙂

    xo-Lisa

    Reply
  19. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    June 27, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    You’re a Rock Star! I think these are so cute — that soccer ball topiary is the best!! I too have to put on blinders when I go to Target — that Dollar Spot was the best marketing tool they ever came up with — gets me every time!

    Reply
  20. It's All Connected says

    June 27, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    I’m pretty sure I have some red and white tissue paper around here and Canada Day comes on the first of July. Thanks for the ideas and I’m pinning this. ~ maureen

    Reply
  21. Honey at 2805 says

    June 27, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    Terrific patriotic crafts! I’ve miss you gals and I have finally returned from an extended blog break. I pan to have Potpourri Friday this week and hope you will be there!

    Reply
  22. Renee @ Rustic Crafts & Chic Decor says

    June 28, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    What a great post! I just love these ideas 🙂

    Reply
  23. Victoria Mische | YourChairCovers says

    June 28, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    You did a great job, as always! Thank you for always sharing your ideas and I am so blessed to know you thru this blog.

    Reply
  24. Welcome to says

    June 28, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    Oh my you never cease to AMAZE me with your creativity! It was such a honor to have met you and Heather at Haven! I wish we could have talked more, but hopefully next year. Wonderful ideas and I’m looking forward to the 4th as well. Might have to use some f your ideas.

    Reply
  25. Connie says

    June 27, 2012 at 7:15 PM

    Love this project! Have you linked it up with me yet at Wow Us Wednesday?

    Reply
  26. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    Such great ideas. And just to be sure I got it … I cut the tissue paper into strips and THEN tape to the dowel? 😉

    Reply
  27. Kelly Rowe says

    June 28, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    FABULOUS ladies 🙂 Cute and affordable! Woot!!!

    Reply
  28. Lindy@Itsy Bitsy Paper says

    June 28, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    How brilliant! So simple but so festive. I hope you’ll add this to my Patriotic Project Parade. I would love to see them there.

    https://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2012/06/patriotic-project-parade-linky-party.html

    Reply
  29. Honey at 2805 says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    Thanks for sharing your creativity at Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  30. Sarah says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    Well, I’m heading out to Target tomorrow. These are darling ideas.

    Reply
  31. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 29, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    Love the topiary!! Is that Wilson I recognize under all that tissue paper?!

    I always break out my moves in public – while my kids run away in horror! But what’s a mom for if not to embarrass her kids in public.
    Kelly

    Reply
  32. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    These all look fabulous! We will be featuring these today on our Patriotic Round-Up!

    Take care,

    Trish

    Reply
  33. debra says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    These are cute, about my speed ( not too crafty, plus would want something easy for the grandkids ) but best of all you are funny….poor soccer ball, ha ha
    Talk about “repurposing ” 🙂

    Reply
  34. Christa @ Controlling Craziness says

    June 30, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    Love this idea. I’ve featured it on my blog with other patriotic ideas here: https://controllingcraziness.blogspot.com/2012/06/inspiration-for-weekend-25-4th-of-july.html

    Reply
  35. June says

    July 2, 2012 at 4:00 AM

    How clever you are, Vanessa! Thanks for sharing these inexpensive ideas!

    Reply
  36. Daune | Cottage in the Oaks says

    July 2, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    So fun….I’m just proud to know ya! 😉

    Reply
  37. Maria Kitching says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:14 AM

    Seen this at lines across my face, they’re fab.

    Reply
  38. Peggy says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    I love this so much, I’ve featured you here https://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/06/50-happy-4th-of-july-craft-ideas-diycraftyprojects-com.html . Please stop by when you get a chance & grab a “I’ve been featured” button from the side bar. You can put it in this post, side bar or both. Thanks so much 🙂

    Reply
  39. JaneEllen says

    June 2, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    What fun crafts to make for July 4th. and maybe even Memorial Day. Love projects that are fun, cute, inexpensive to make. Had to save them so I can print when I get some more ink cartridges. Those darn things run out way too quickly. Never can understand how in heck ink can be so blasted expensive, they’ve got us by the short hairs. Sure glad I found your post. Great blog.

    Reply
  40. Valeria De Seemann says

    July 4, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    Wow, I loved the way you used those papers. I think the anchors one is a great detail.

    Have a great 4th of July, girls 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Twenty Patriotic Craft Ideas - Uncommon Designs... says:
    February 21, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    […] Chronicles Patriotic Decor from Sweet Pepper Rose Budget 4th of July Decor from At the Picket Fence Pledge Coolies from Lizy B Bakes Interchangeable July 4th Wreath by the Crafty […]

    Reply
  2. Patriotic Pinwheel Cake... A No Bake Cake! - Uncommon Designs... says:
    June 27, 2013 at 5:03 AM

    […] on your holiday party, you should also check out the girls from At the Picket Fence’s post on Fourth of July decor on a budget.  Some really cute ideas for next to […]

    Reply
  3. DIY Patriotic Wreath Ideas says:
    June 25, 2014 at 5:12 AM

    […] a beautiful paper wreath made from… tissue paper! I love how simple and easy this Fourth of July Paper Wreath from At The Picket Fence is to make using fun nautical patterned tissue paper combined with solid […]

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
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I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

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Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

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Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
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Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
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